Program Overview

Why study this course

Continue working or volunteering while pursuing your degree, providing you with valuable practical experience alongside your academic studies.

The National Student Survey in 2022 revealed satisfaction rate of 96.85% among students in professional studies programs, highlighting quality and effectiveness.

The opportunity to study with support from a research-active team, ensuring that you receive the latest insights and developments in the field of early childhood education.

Offers the opportunity to work towards meeting the Department for Education's Full and Relevancy Criteria, providing a clear path to meeting professional standards in early childhood education.

Course summary

Have you ever thought about working towards a degree, but decided against it as you are already in employment or volunteering and don’t want to give that up? Our FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice course is designed for those working or volunteering with children 0-8 years in the voluntary, private and independent early years sector or a foundation unit in a school. This course is also for nannies, child minders and those working in Children’s Centres with families of young children.

Key facts

• Award: FdA
• UCAS code: LX51
• Duration: 2 years
• Mode of study: Full time
• Start date: September 2025
• Award: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

About this course

Explore Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Early Childhood Education.

Our Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Education is a dynamic and comprehensive programme that blends practical experience with campus-based learning sessions, carefully designed to accommodate your existing work or volunteer commitments. With just one weekly on-campus session, you can seamlessly continue your career journey while enhancing your skills and knowledge over a two-year period. It's important to note that this Foundation degree serves as the first two years of a full-time degree programme, providing you with a solid foundation for your educational aspirations.

During the first year of the programme, you will embark on a transformative journey into higher education. You'll gain a deep understanding of learning principles and explore the intricate link between theory and practice in meeting the unique needs of children. Our programme empowers you to analyse your role within the early years sector, facilitating your professional growth and development. Additionally, you will delve into modules covering child development and social interactions, enriching your practical knowledge and skills.

As you progress into the second year, you will delve deeper into essential topics. Modules in inclusion, equality, and diversity will equip you with the tools to create inclusive learning environments. You will also focus on developing and supporting children, expanding young minds through pedagogy and practice, and honing your reflective skills. Moreover, you will have the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and related courses. This collaboration will broaden your perspectives, enhancing your employability and enriching your understanding of working with children and young people.

Throughout all stages of our programme, the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Education in Practice aligns closely with the stringent full and relevant criteria set by the Department for Education. We also adhere to the Graduate Competency (GC) requirements outlined by the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network, ensuring that you receive an education that meets the highest professional standards in the field of early childhood education.

What you will study

• Tools for Learning: Learning in Higher Education
• Tools for Learning: Supporting Children and Young People
• Key Thinkers Past and Present
• Individual in Society
• Empowering Relationships
• Supporting Health and Well-being
• Inclusion and Participation
• Developing and Extending Young Children’s Thinking and Learning: Pedagogy and Practice
• Professional Development: Working in Practice
• The Reflective Practitioner: Challenging Self and Early Childhood Practice
• Practitioner Research

Entry requirements

• Typically, a minimum of one year’s experience in practice.
• Minimum of two days a week (minimum of 12 hours per week accumulating to 360 hours per year of study in a relevant role, either as an employee or a volunteer).
• Typically a Level 3 Diploma, NVQs, access to HE programmes, subject/vocational qualifications.
• Written support from the head teacher/workplace manager in which the applicant works or volunteers.

How you will be taught

This work-focused degree is a combination of practice-based learning and campus-based sessions which run once a week, so that you are able to continue in employment throughout the course. The degree is designed to improve and develop your personal and professional communication skills, allows you to professionalise your approach and further your personal growth.

You will work with a range of experienced academic staff and be supported through peer-led groups, directed tasks and interactive web-based resources.

Academic staff

• Dr Nyree-Anne Nicholson
• Tara May
• Paul Staples

Assessment

Typically, a variety of assessment methods are used including presentations, discussions, debates, poster presentations, essays, portfolios of work, case studies and reflections. All assessments allow you to reflect on your practice and theory as you evidence your learning, building on your personal strengths to develop clear communication skills to share your knowledge and understanding.

Careers & Further study

Many of our students in this programme are employed as Teaching Assistants, early years practitioners, nannies, and childminders. They actively contribute to educational outcomes for children, playing pivotal roles in facilitating informal and formal learning opportunities. This includes providing targeted support to children with specific needs, making a tangible difference in their development. Our Foundation Degree is widely recognised as a stepping stone towards a teaching career, enabling you to progress within your role as a Teaching Assistant or early years practitioner. Additionally, it opens doors to explore senior positions in the sector. Moreover, this programme offers several top-up degree options, empowering you to pursue your long-term goals in the field of child education.